CFL/CFLPA agree to new drug testing policy!

The CFL and the Players Association made the joint announcement earlier today and this policy actually has a few teeth. There will be random testing and 4 positive tests, you are banned for life.

Players testing positive will face a two-game suspension for a first violation. It will increase to nine games for a second violation and a one-year ban for a third offence.

There was no drug testing last year after the CFL severed its partnership with the Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sports, which had conducted the tests. That partnership is now back.

“The CCES commends the CFL and CFLPA for the persistence they have shown and the progress they have made in improving their anti-doping policy,” Paul Melia, the president and CEO of the CCES, said in a statement. “The improvements to the policy will significantly increase its effectiveness.” The new policy will also recognize sanctions from Canadian Interuniversity Sport (CIS), the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), National Football League (NFL) and other World Anti-Doping Association tested sports.

Kudos to league commissioner Jeffrey Orridge and the players. This brings the league back out of the dark ages.